Invasive Plants

Invasive plants kill native plants and destroy Coquitlam's beautiful natural habitat. We need your help to stop the introduction and spread of garden plants that can be harmful to people, animals and ecosystems.

Invasive plants harm the environment.

Invasive plants are non-native plants that were introduced to our environment through seeds, cuttings, garden plants, etc. They spread aggressively and take over the natural environment. They push out native plants, including endangered species, and destroy habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife. They can also cause erosion and silt problems in creeks and impact aquatic creatures. Invasive plants are expensive to control and eradicate. Some, like Giant Hogweed, are even dangerous to human health. Quite simply, they are Bad Seeds.

Read Coquitlam's Invasive Plant Management Strategy for more information.

Volunteering Opportunities

Are you interested in becoming a Bad Seed volunteer? It’s easy — just show up to one of our Bad Seed events.

If you're a group of 10 or more, please contact Brad Parrish to register in advance. Smaller groups and individuals do not need to register.

Please bring a water bottle and dress for the weather and in clothes that can get dirty, including close-toed shoes. We'll provide snacks, light refreshments, tools and gloves.

Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species!

Never dump garden waste or hanging baskets into natural areas.
Dispose of invasvie plant material in your Green Cart (see below for hogweed disposal requirements).
Avoid buying plants promoted as fast spreaders or vigorous self-seeders as they are often invasive.
Grow native plants in your garden - for more information contact the Native Plant Society of British Columbia
Contain or remove invasive plants on your property to prevent them from spreading to other properties.
Control weeds that grow under bird feeders from falling seeds as they can become a source of invasive plants.
Use caution when ordering plant seeds over the Internet or through catalogues. Introducing foreign seeds are a key way that invasive plants find their way into our community.
Read Grow Me Instead to learn about BC's most "unwanted" plants, along with recommended alternatives.

Common Invasive Plant Species
English Ivy Hedera helix A climber that smothers almost all vegetation and can kill trees. Identified by dull, green, lobed leaves with a thick, waxy coating that stay green all year long. It grows as a vine that clings to surfaces such as trees, buildings and rocks.
Yellow Lamium Lamiastrum galeobdolon Common to hanging baskets, it acts like ivy, smothering native plants. It is a trailing groundcover that stays green all year long with hairy, green leaves and a silvery white colouration. The flowers are yellow.
Periwinkle Vinca minor This trailing groundcover with small waxy leaves displaces native plants needed by wildlife. It has showy purple flowers with five petals and its leaves are pointed and dark green.
Morning Glory Convolvulus arvensis This very persistent climbing vine will trail along the ground, smother native plants or twist counter-clockwise up supports. The leaves are arrow-shaped with a sharp point and has showy, white trumpet-shaped flowers.
Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica Dense, tall thickets can grow up to 3.5 metres tall from a small root or stem, crowding out other plants. Leaves are rounded at the base with a pointed tip and small white flowers are produced in clusters.
Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum Known for its umbrella shaped flower heads, it can reach up to 15 feet and its sap can cause severe burns.

Giant Hogweed

Giant Hogweed is a non-native, invasive plant recently found in Coquitlam. Giant Hogweed poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. The clear sap found in its stem and hairs can result in severe burns and blistering. Children have used the large, hollow stems as pea shooters and telescopes resulting in burns to the mouth and/or eyes. If sap enters the eyes, it can cause temporary or permanent blindness.

Staff are monitoring public lands for signs of Giant Hogweed and are asking for the community's help to identify and eliminate Giant Hogweed in Coquitlam. You can do this by learning what this plant looks like and by undestanding the correct procedures for its removal and disposal, as it is dangerous.

Description

Very tall, reaching up to 5 metres.
White flower heads reach up to 1.5 metres in diameter, bloom in mid August.
Leaves are shiny and large with coarse, jagged edges.
Stalks have purple spots or streaks and stiff bristly hairs.
Typically grows on riverbanks, ravines, vacant lots or along roads, but can also occur on residential property.

Removal and Disposal of Hogweed

If you find Giant Hogweed on your property, it needs to be removed as per the City's Noxious Weed Bylaw No. 4181, 2010.

It is best to let a professional remove this plant
CAUTION - If you are going to remove the plant yourself, always wear protective, waterproof clothing, gloves and safety goggles and follow Work Safe BC instructions on their safety bulletin and video.
Please contact Metro Vancouver for the most up-to-date disposal options for Giant Hogweed and knotweeds at metrovancouverrecycles.org
Do not transfer soil from within four metres of the plant as the soil may contain Giant Hogweed seed.
Continue to monitor the area for several years.
If you are exposed to Giant Hogweed, wash the affected area immediately, keep it out of the sun and seek medical advice.

Report Giant Hogweed Sightings in Coquitlam

Please report Giant Hogweed in Coquitlam, by using the Online Hogweed Reporting Form or by contacting Parks Customer Service - see contact details below.